Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common perinatal pathologies and a leading cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality. Prevalence of PIH is estimated at 3–10% of all pregnancies, and 15-25% of women with this condition may eventually develop preeclampsia. Mortality of women in pregnancy and puerperium due to PIH and its complications, especially disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), is estimated at 18% [1]. Moreover, PIH is associated with increased risk of perinatal complications: preterm birth and low birth weight. These complications may have long-term consequences for both the children and their family members. PIH is defined as the development of new hypertension (arterial blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg) after 20 weeks of gestation with subsequent normalization after birth. According to 2007 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Society of Hypertension (ESH) classification, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy include chronic hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and PIH superimposed on chronic hypertension. Etiology of hypertension involves genetic, environmental, immune and metabolic factors. Since the multifactorial pathogenesis of PIH and preeclampsia is still not fully understood, this condition can be neither fully prevented nor predicted. Secondary prophylaxis is aimed primarily at the prevention of maternal (e.g. eclampsia) and fetal complications (e.g. prematurity). History of preeclampsia is associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in future pregnancies and later in life. Therefore, patients from this group need education regarding lifestyle and implementation of a diagnostic-therapeutic intervention [1]. The aim of this paper is to review the principles of diagnostic, educational and therapeutic approach to PIH and preeclampsia, and may constitute a kind of compendium for practitioners and theoreticians of obstetrical care. Due to high incidence of PIH, neutralization of the impact of its complications is a principal component of both perinatal [4] and in cardiovascular prevention.

Key words: pregnancy-induced hypertension, perinatal prophylaxis.